Gorbachev: His Life and Times by William Taubman

Gorbachev: His Life and Times is a definitive biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, one of the most important political figures of the 20th century. Written by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Taubman, it tells the story of Gorbachev’s life through the lens of history and political science.

Gorbachev was born in 1931 in a small village in south-western Russia. He studied law at Moscow State University and then pursued a career in the Soviet Communist Party (CPSU). He quickly rose through the ranks of the party and became the party’s General Secretary in 1985.

In the following years, Gorbachev dramatically changed the Soviet Union and its relationship with the rest of the world. He sought to end the Cold War with the US and other Western countries by introducing a policy of openness (glasnost) and restructuring (perestroika). Glasnost and perestroika meant that the Soviet Union would open its economy up to foreign investment and begin to reduce its military forces abroad. It also meant that media censorship and political repression were to be eased. These policies put the Soviet Union on the path to economic, political, and social reform.

Gorbachev’s leadership was crucial in ending the Cold War and allowing a more open society to exist in the Soviet Union. Through the signing of several agreements with the United States and other Western countries, he managed to reduce nuclear weapons, end the Afghan War, and pull the Soviet troops out of Eastern Europe.

At the same time, Gorbachev sought to restore the crumbling Soviet economy by introducing market reforms. This meant that prices, wages, and many other economic activities were allowed to fluctuate. He also allowed private enterprise to exist and even encouraged foreign investment. This helped the economy out of its slump and improved the overall living standards of the Soviet people.

Gorbachev also changed the relationship between the Soviet Union and other countries in the world. He removed the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe and opened the doors for a more open and friendly relationship between the Soviet Union and countries in the West. This was essential in allowing movement of people, goods and services between Europe and the US.

The legacy of Gorbachev is one of reform and change. He ended the Cold War and transformed the Soviet Union and its people in ways that no one could have imagined. He also opened the doors for a more open and prosperous world.

Gorbachev: His Life and Times by William Taubman is an essential read for anyone looking to learn more about the life and accomplishments of Mikhail Gorbachev. It provides an in-depth look at the man, his policies, and their lasting impact on the world. It is an essential read for anyone looking to understand the history of the Cold War and the Soviet Union’s transition to a more democratic society.